Day 17 - July 28, 2022 - Brae - Sumburgh

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We almost traveled the length of the Shetlands today.  We started in Lerwick, where we spent the past two nights and then traveled south all the way to Sumborgh and past the airport. We spent time at the Sumborgh Lighthouse then traveled north mostly along the west coast to Brae where we will be for the next two days.  

Brae is a very small but beautiful community.  The internet here at the hotel is very limited and so is my phone internet.  I was unable to upload the blog photos last night so I am working on them at 5:00 AM this morning.  Commentary will therefore be brief.



Breakfast, fresh locally caught and smoked Kippers, eggs, mushrooms and grilled tomatoes. Yum.

The following photos were taken in the Sumburgh Lighthouse area.  Most need no comment.



There may be too many photos of Puffins, but they are cute.










 




The lighthouse in Sumburgh, like most lighthouses in the Shetlands was designed by the Stevenson engineering family.  This one by Robert Stevenson, grandfather of Robert Louis, the author.  It was designed in 1821 and is the oldest lighthouse in the Shetlands.  It has been in continuous operation for over 200 years



The three engines used to produce the compressed air used to drive the foghorn.  It could be heard from over 20 miles away.  The foghorn system was not implemented until early 1900's.  Prior to that there was initially a bell (which didn't work very well) and of course the light.



One of three compressed air tanks.  The system could produce a blast every 90 seconds which lasted 7
 seconds.


The actual horn.

The radar hut which dates from 1939, built to warn of German invasions during WW2.

  During World War II, this station was instrumental in detecting, and giving early warning, of a large scale attack on the British Home Fleet at Scapa Flow in Orkney.  Had it not been for this warning provided by the radar operator on the evening of 8th April 1940, the consequences may have been grave indeed for the British Naval fleet. 

A bicycle crank and chain was used to rotate the antenna.


Traveling north we passed the island of Mousa.  It was in the distance, but I was able to spot the Broch of Mousa.  It is the tallest broch still standing and amongst the best-preserved prehistoric buildings in Europe. It is thought to have been constructed c. 100 BC, and is one of more than 500 brochs built in Scotland.




Here is a stock photo from the internet.


This burger for lunch was not from McDonalds...




We visited a Shetland Pony farm.  It was interesting and I am posting these photos for Polly.




This colt was about 3 months old.







A curiosity.  This is called a Cake Fridge.  In the more isolated areas of the Shetlands, there are few stores and the Scots do love their sweets.  A few years ago someone came up with the idea of a roadside stand which is stocked daily with fresh baked goods.  They are priced and there is an honesty box where you pay for your selections.  It has now been expanded to include drinks and other items.  Think this would work in the States?






My evening beer.


This view is just outside our hotel.

We are traveling even father north today.  Looking forward to it.



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